Maneuvering for House seat heats up quickly

Published: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 2:46 p.m.

The nation sometimes seems to be in a perpetual election cycle, especially on the national level in the race for president. But even locally some candidates begin aiming for the next election as soon as one ends. While they can be applauded for their desire to serve, many people grow weary of constant campaigning, even when it's as low-key as signs along the roadside for an election that may be two or three years away.

Next up on the campaign cycle is this year's municipal elections, which take place in November. Attention on the those races will begin in earnest after Labor Day, the traditional start for Davidson County races, especially when candidates descend on the Davidson County Agricultural Fair. But at least two candidates are already jockeying for voters' support in what promises to be a heated Republican Party primary next May.

Much has been written about the controversial manner in which Roger Younts was nominated to fill Jerry Dockham's House seat in District 80. Dockham resigned to join the N.C. Utilities Commission. The task to fill the seat fell to the six members of the Davidson County Republican Party Executive Committee who lived in the district. Younts and two others voted for him; two voted for county commissioner Sam Watford. The same vote breakdown occurred to prevent the sixth member, Dwight Story, from casting a vote by telephone, which he was told would be allowed. Story backed Watford.

Watford has already indicated he plans to seek the seat in the Republican primary next year. Younts, too, says he will run. Sadly, his initial statements do nothing to indicate he would be a suitable, long-term replacement for Dockham.

Younts said he had "amassed a solidly conservative voting record during my time in Raleigh" — failing to mention that time covered a two-week period. He simply voted as most Republicans did and as Watford or any other choice almost certainly would have as well. Younts is right that his position as an incumbent, albeit barely one, will offer him some advantages against Watford and anyone else who runs.

More troubling is Younts' attack on Watford for supporting Democrat Max Walser to become chairman of the Davidson County Board of Commissioners. One of the major problems with the American political system today is the partisan atmosphere. Some politicians, Younts included, seem unable and unwilling to work with those from the other party. No party has a monopoly on good ideas. The interests of the people are best served when politicians can find common ground, realizing everyone may need to compromise a bit to see good legislation passed.

Sadly, the extreme candidates often win primaries, and that holds true for both parties. Younts already is trying to position himself as the most conservative candidate. In this case, that doesn't mean he's the best choice in House District 80.

<p>The nation sometimes seems to be in a perpetual election cycle, especially on the national level in the race for president. But even locally some candidates begin aiming for the next election as soon as one ends. While they can be applauded for their desire to serve, many people grow weary of constant campaigning, even when it's as low-key as signs along the roadside for an election that may be two or three years away.</p><p>Next up on the campaign cycle is this year's municipal elections, which take place in November. Attention on the those races will begin in earnest after Labor Day, the traditional start for Davidson County races, especially when candidates descend on the Davidson County Agricultural Fair. But at least two candidates are already jockeying for voters' support in what promises to be a heated Republican Party primary next May.</p><p>Much has been written about the controversial manner in which Roger Younts was nominated to fill Jerry Dockham's House seat in District 80. Dockham resigned to join the N.C. Utilities Commission. The task to fill the seat fell to the six members of the Davidson County Republican Party Executive Committee who lived in the district. Younts and two others voted for him; two voted for county commissioner Sam Watford. The same vote breakdown occurred to prevent the sixth member, Dwight Story, from casting a vote by telephone, which he was told would be allowed. Story backed Watford.</p><p>Watford has already indicated he plans to seek the seat in the Republican primary next year. Younts, too, says he will run. Sadly, his initial statements do nothing to indicate he would be a suitable, long-term replacement for Dockham.</p><p>Younts said he had "amassed a solidly conservative voting record during my time in Raleigh" — failing to mention that time covered a two-week period. He simply voted as most Republicans did and as Watford or any other choice almost certainly would have as well. Younts is right that his position as an incumbent, albeit barely one, will offer him some advantages against Watford and anyone else who runs.</p><p>More troubling is Younts' attack on Watford for supporting Democrat Max Walser to become chairman of the Davidson County Board of Commissioners. One of the major problems with the American political system today is the partisan atmosphere. Some politicians, Younts included, seem unable and unwilling to work with those from the other party. No party has a monopoly on good ideas. The interests of the people are best served when politicians can find common ground, realizing everyone may need to compromise a bit to see good legislation passed.</p><p>Sadly, the extreme candidates often win primaries, and that holds true for both parties. Younts already is trying to position himself as the most conservative candidate. In this case, that doesn't mean he's the best choice in House District 80.</p>